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The African Gourmet

The African Gourmet: Explore African Culture & Recipes

One bowl of fufu can explain a war. One proverb can outsmart a drought.
Welcome to the real Africa—told through food, memory, and truth.

Christmas & New Year in Africa

FOOD PROVERBS

Some people never look forward to Monday mornings. 

Instead of looking forward to the beginning of a new week with a renewed chance to change the world Monday mornings are dreaded. Unplugging from negative forces and being fully present is important to the honor of ancestors. 

Jumping out of bed and hitting the ground running each Monday morning may never be realistic but should also be the goal. Planning to do at least one happy thing each Monday morning you will look forward to Monday morning and honor the lessons of your ancestors.

African Proverbs your ancestors want you to know on Monday mornings.

African Proverbs your ancestors want you to know on Monday mornings.

Pay attention to the 32 proverbs and quotes from African ancestors on Monday morning.

What the colt learns in youth he continues in old age.


What is learned in the cradle lasts till the grave.


What is enough was never little.


Too late the bird cries out when it is caught.


To wash a donkeys tail is loss of time and soap.


There is no such thing as an insignificant enemy.


The wise chief does not eat from two sides.


The one-eyed are kings in the land of the blind.


The head that touches the ground a birth, will not fail to touch the ground at death.


One cannot see oneself, a stone cannot push itself.


The neck does not recognize that the head is heavy.


The good-looking fruit could be rotten inside.


One should either become a pillar or lean against one.


One hand alone cannot wash the body.


A man with a cough cannot conceal himself.


One half of the world laughs at the other.


On a fool’s beard, the barber learns to shave.


Nothing falls into the mouth of a sleeping lion.


No hyena deserves to be entertained twice.


Men’s ideas helped to locate the snake.


If generously shared, a flea can be bitten twice.


He who smiles too much with you will frown too much with you at your back.


He who rides on the giant’s shoulders sees further than he who carries him.


He does a good day’s work that rids himself of a fool.


Denial cannot hide cigarette smoke.


Ashes are result of fire.


Ashes always fly back in the face of him who throws them.


An honest enemy is better than a best friend who lies.


After mischance everyone is wise.


A good lawyer is a bad neighbor.


A friend's eye is a good mirror.


A friend is known in the time of need.


A fine cage won’t feed the bird.


A climbing plant with tendrils cannot grow on its own without the support of a tree.
African Proverbs your ancestors want you to know on Monday mornings.


Links to African history and facts



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African Recipes Organized by Meal Time

African Drinks & Beverages

Snacks & Appetizers

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Desserts

Recipes as Revolution

Recipes as Revolution

When food becomes protest and meals carry political meaning

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African woman farmer

She Feeds Africa

Before sunrise, after sunset, seven days a week — she grows the food that keeps the continent alive.

60–80 % of Africa’s calories come from her hands.
Yet the land, the credit, and the recognition still belong to someone else.

Read her story →

To every mother of millet and miracles —
thank you.

African Gourmet FAQ

Archive Inquiries

Why "The African Gourmet" if you're an archive?

The name reflects our origin in 2006 as a culinary anthropology project. Over 18 years, we've evolved into a comprehensive digital archive preserving Africa's cultural narratives. "Gourmet" now signifies our curated approach to cultural preservation—each entry carefully selected and contextualized.

What distinguishes this archive from other cultural resources?

We maintain 18 years of continuous cultural documentation—a living timeline of African expression. Unlike static repositories, our archive connects historical traditions with contemporary developments, showing cultural evolution in real time.

How is content selected for the archive?

Our curation follows archival principles: significance, context, and enduring value. We preserve both foundational cultural elements and timely analyses, ensuring future generations understand Africa's complex cultural landscape.

What geographic scope does the archive cover?

The archive spans all 54 African nations, with particular attention to preserving underrepresented cultural narratives. Our mission is comprehensive cultural preservation across the entire continent.

Can researchers access the full archive?

Yes. As a digital archive, we're committed to accessibility. Our 18-year collection is fully searchable and organized for both public education and academic research.

How does this archive ensure cultural preservation?

Through consistent documentation since 2006, we've created an irreplaceable cultural record. Each entry is contextualized within broader African cultural frameworks, preserving not just content but meaning.